The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-26

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

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[01] Heavy Frost Remains Bitter Cold Subsides

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA

The inclement weather conditions that heavily hassled Greece leaving sneaky spots in its wake is gradually subsiding. The gravest problems have been reported on the road network of NE Attica, as well as the mountainous regions, where the frost makes the use of snow chains an absolute imperative. Traffic flow on the national highways has been reinstated, however, Traffic Police keep advising both drivers and pedestrians to take all necessary self-protection measures, since the roads are dangerously slippery. The states authorities remain on alert to restore damages caused. In some cases, the Fire Department employed special vehicles to help citizens that had been snowbound for many hours. Furthermore, the efforts to fix damages caused in the power supply network in some mountainous villages and several islands, including Kefalonia and Ithaca, have started bearing fruits. The sailing ban was lifted in the morning, while airports have resumed full operation. Universities and Technological Educational Institutes in Athens and Piraeus will operate on Friday, while schools in Piraeus and western Attica will start classes at 9am. However, most schools in NE Attica will remain closed. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service forecasts cloudless weather conditions, as well as lack of winds, however, polar temperatures and bitter cold are forecast until Saturday.

Power Shortage for Fourth Day

Several areas on the islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca are still facing serious power shortages. On Kefalonia, power supply has been reinstated on the islands northern tip, from Fiscardo to Sami, while it has been partially restored in Argostoli. The islands authorities hope to be able to reinstate power to other areas by night. In the meantime, as many as 13 people were admitted yesterday to hospital suffering from exhalation poisoning, while the Municipality has been offering meals to 1,500 university students, who were left penniless, since the ATMs have gone out of order.

On Ithaca, power supply has been reinstated to the half regions of the island, as well as the capital city, and the authorities estimate it will take them a couple of days to fully address the problem. Schools on both islands have called off tomorrows classes.

At the same time, three communities in Chania, Crete, four on the island of Andros, four on Ikaria and dotted mountainous villages on northern Evia, have also been left without electricity. Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos expressed the governments most profound compassion and support to the people of Kefalonia and Ithaca.

In the context of the discussion of the bill on settling electoral issues, Mr Pavlopoulos argued that the governments support is translated into what the government does and how fast it takes actions and not into whether its Ministers and Deputy Ministers visit the most affected areas. What really matters is whether the PPC crews with the necessary equipment are there to put an end to his hassle, underlined the Interior Minister, voicing, at the same time, his gratitude to the captain and the crew of the ship, which transferred the crews to Kefalonia despite the sailing ban.

Deputy government spokesman had also made a reference to the issue, noting that painstaking efforts are being made and that the PPC network is on non-stop alert. He also turned down the possibility to declare Kefalonia and Ithaca in a state of emergency, since emphasis is being placed "on restoring the damage at a satisfactory pace."

A PASOK panel led by parliamentarian Anna Diamantopoulou is to travel to Kefalonia tonight. Mrs Diamantopoulou is expected to hold meetings with the islands authorities to get briefed on the problems the adverse weather conditions triggered off.

Frost Prompts Alertness

The heavy snowfall has brought about several problems to the regional Greece, where a great many of villages, mostly in the mountainous part of the country, were snowbound. Municipal prefectural crews have been working non-stop to keep the roads open. In certain cases, the Fire Department employed special vehicles to help citizens who had been snowbound for several hours.

Apart from the Fire Department, the Greek Police is also on high alert to take full operational action when necessary. Deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros underlined that the states authorities are held in readiness and that Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos coordinates the actions of the Civil Protection Authority on a 24-hour basis.

Traffic flow in central and western Macedonia runs smoothly, while the use of snow chains is reduced to areas where the frost remains.

In particular, snow chains are necessary on Kastorias mountainous and regional road network, on the mountainous regions of the Prefectures of Grevena, Pella, Kozani and Kastoria, as well as on the Florina-Kastoria national highway via Vigla and on the Florina-Kastoria regional network via Vitsi. It is noted that drivers heading for Macedonias ski resorts are advised to install snow chains.

In Kastoria, the largest part of the lake has frozen and the municipality has employed special crews to break the ice in certain parts to feed the birds.

Snow chains are also necessary on the greatest part of both the national and regional road ring in the Prefecture of Trikala, the Pelopennese, as well as northern Evia, where 28 villages are still snowbound.

Although the bulk of the problems have been dealt with, citizens are advised to be extra cautious because of the frost.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service warns of frost during the night in the Prefectures of Ioannina, Florina, Edessa and Thessaloniki. In particular, it forecasts frost mainly in central and northern Greece and further weakening of the winds. Temperatures will rise and are expected to range from 12 to 4 degrees Celsius in the north, from 7 to 10 degrees Celsius in the Ionian sea and the rest of the mainland and from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius in the Aegean. In Attica, cloudless weather conditions and weak northeasterly winds are forecast. The temperature will range from 0 to 9 degrees Celsius. Scattered clouds, weak winds and temperatures ranging from 5 to 4 degrees Celsius are forecast for Thessaloniki.

Traffic Flow in Attica Reinstated

In Attica, traffic flow has been gradually reinstating, since the frost had seriously hindered traffic during the night. Athens major road arteries are accessible, while efforts to keep the minor roads and bypasses also continue. Both drivers and pedestrians are advised to be extra cautious, due to the slippery roads.

Traffic flow is currently disrupted on: · Pentelis Street from the Pentelis Square to Agios Petros, · Parnithos Avenue from the cable-car and onwards, · Anonymon Street in Kesariani towards Ymmitos aerials, · the Fylis-Dervenohoria regional road network from the Community of Fylis towards Dervenohoria, · a regional road from Vilia to Porto Germeno and on B regional road from Vilia to Psatha, · and on Anastaseos Street in Papagou towards Ymmitos aerials.

Snow chains are necessary for vehicles heading for: · the Elefsina-Thiva national highway from the Vilia intersection towards Kaza-Thiva, · on Titan Avenue from Elefsina to Dervenohoria, · and on the Varybobis-Katsimidiou-Agios Merourios-Agias Triados-Ipporatiou Politeia regional road ring.

As many as 12 bus routes in NE Attica will not run, due to the frost. Passengers had better contact OASAs (Athens Urban Transport Organisation) phone center 185 for more information.

Deputy government spokesman Mr Antonaros reminded that the Ministry of Development has enhanced the inspection authorities to avert any profiteering phenomena that usually present themselves when adverse weather conditions prevail.

He also noted that the Development Minister has sent a circular to all the Prefectures urging them to hold the fruit and vegetables market under scrutiny.

"The inspection bodies do a perfect work, but the unusual weather conditions and the problems in harvesting and transferring products may spark off supply shortages and fluctuations in prices may come up," he said and pointed out, "this cannot be averted."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Frost Covers Greece

[02] He Was Snowed in a Farm Escappee in Chalkida Arrested

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET-ANA

Following a police manhunt, Nikolaos Boutsikas, 32, who had escaped in the early hours of Thursday from Chalkidas police station and managed to get away on a military Hummer he stole from the neighbouring Marines camp, was arrested. The 32-year-old male was located and arrested in a farm he had broken into to use as a hideout in the village of Kyparissi. He was located near the area where he had abandoned the military vehicle. Army officials have launched a probe into the conditions under which the military Hummer was stolen.

From what has been made known so far, it is gathered that detainee Nikolaos Boutsikas, 32, requested a police officer allow him to change his clothes, for he was to be taken before the Examiner the following morning.

The police officer took him out of the cell. The detainee pretended he could not find the bag with his clothes, sent the police officer to another room and quickly hurried down the staircase of the police station undisturbed.

Upon his getaway, he resorted to a nearby military camp to hide, the escapee confessed.

He then managed to break in a military Hummer and leave from the camps main entrance telling the guard at the gate that he was ordered to assist a person in danger due to the bitter cold. At 4am, police informed the army that the Hummer had been located on the Chalkida-Aidipsos road at the 25km.

The manhunt was focused on the area, and the escapee was arrested in the village of Kyparissi.

The Greek Army Chief removed the commander of the military camp from his position and called on him to account for this unheard-of case. The Defence Ministry, on the other hand, issued an announcement which declined the rumours that the General Army Staff Chief had handed in his resignation and pointed out, "the great contribution of the Army Forces cannot be disdained by an event for which responsibilities will be attributed and sanctions will be imposed on the army officers."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Escapee in Chalkida

[03] Qurei Stepped Down Hamas Claims Victory

By Athina Saloustrou

Following Hamas victory on Wednesdays parliamentary elections, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei dissolved his government. Palestinian leader Abbas accepted the resignation of the Qurei-led government, yet he asked him to deal with the current affairs until a new government is formed. "We ought to respect the peoples choice and the party that won the elections should form a government," stated Ahmed Qurei from his office in Ramallah, while Abbas announced the onset of talks for the formation of a new government, underlining that his programme still depends on settling the issues with Israel in a peaceful fashion. As per Palestinian sources, the Islamic group Hamas won 76 seats out of the 132, while Fatah won 43. Given the fact that Hamas reiterated its intention to continue its fight against Israel, its victory is a political earthquake for the political landscape in the Middle East. "On the one hand, we will continue fighting and on the other, we will pursue changes and reforms in Palestine," underscored Hamas spokesman Sami Abou Zouari. "We have lost the elections," admitted Palestinian negotiator and Fatah official Erekat while speaking to reporters. He further added that Fatah would not take part in any national unity government, while he called on Hamas "to shoulder its responsibilities." On his part, US President George W. Bush had made it clear that he will not negotiate with Hamas.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

CNN: Palestinian PM says government will quit after Hamas win

BBC: Hamaas 'secures' stunning victory

Yediot Aharonot : Hamas to Fatah: Let's join forces

Yediot Aharonot : Mashal calls Abbas to inquire about political partnership

Related News:

Palestinian PM Resigns

[04] Baghdatis in the Final

By Ilias Papaioannou

Not even the rain, which started a little after the tenth game of the mens Australian Open semifinal in Melbourne, was enough to stop the fury of Cypriot champion Marcos Baghdatis (No 54). Although the pleasant surprise of the tournament was losing to Argentinean David Nalbandian (no 4) by 3-6, 5-7, he counterattacked and overturned the score with his amazing serve, winning the last three sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and reaching a Grand Slam final for the first time ever in his career. After the match, the Greek and Cypriot fans, who had converted the tennis centre into a football arena, fervently applauded the Cypriot tennis player, who was living his own dream. In a few hours, unstoppable Marcos will know who his finals opponent will be, after the second semifinal between Swiss Roger Federer (No 1) and German Nicolas Kiefer (No 21).

No Sweat for Mauresmo

In the womens semifinal, the unfortunate injury of Belgian champion Kim Clijsters (No 2) gave French Amelie Mauresmo the chance to qualify to the final without sweating, as her opponent withdrew.

Clijsters won the first set 7-5, but Mauresmo won the second 6-2 and was leading by 3-2 in the third when her opponent fell and injured her right leg. In the final, Mauresmo will play against another Belgian, Justin Henin-Hardenne (No 8), who defeated Russian Maria Sharapova (No 4) with 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Karolos Papoulias in Italy Need for Social Cohesion

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET-ANA

On day three of his official visit to Italy, President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias was declared honorary professor of Philosophy at Perugias university. In his address, Mr Papoulias draw his audiences attention to the lack of social cohesion that gravely concerns, as he said, the European citizens and noted that any changes that fail to take into account their worries are doomed. He went on to say that eliminating red tape in the EU and setting free Europes creative forces both at tertiary and secondary education are keynote prerequisites for the enhancement of the European social model. Therefore, he called on the European university students to play a leading part in this direction. Mr Papoulias further argued that the EU should focus on the most vulnerable groups, including the European youth and farmers, due to the problems the current economic situation worldwide has brought about. Referring to the Cyprus issue, Mr Papoulias underlined that its solution must be built upon the resolutions and the decisions of the UN and the EU authorities, while he expressed his hope that process to find a solution under the UN Secretary General will soon be resumed. With regard to the EUs external relations, the President of the Republic claimed that the 21st century world order should give priority to international law, as well as the broader democratisation of the international affairs, and not to strategies of unilateral actions.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Jack Straw in Athens Athens Opposes Turkish Proposals

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ANA-NET

Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Petros Molyviatis voiced the Greek governments objections to the Turkish proposals concerning the issue of Cyprus. Shortly after his meeting with his British counterpart Jack Straw, Mr Molyviatis underlined that Athens rejects Ankaras proposals, which do not at all differ from the previous ones, and added that Turkeys initiative for a four-party summit is not an advisable solution. The British Foreign Secretary had met with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis at the Maximos Mansion and tomorrow is to hold talks with the Main Opposition leader George Papandreou.

As per Mr Erdogan, the gap became even larger with the new action plan. Referring to the international reactions over Ankaras new initiative, the Turkish PM said, "The international support has started to become evident, either from the EU, or from the US." Finally, answering to a question concerning the reactions of the Greek side, he noted, "We are taking positive steps and we are awaiting the other side to take positive steps as well. We are in favour of a fair and permanent solution."

[07] Heroic Rescue in the Aegean

By Dimitris Kalantzis

After superhuman efforts, the crew of the frigate Aegean managed to rescue 14 of the 16 castaways, crewmembers of the cargo ship Alfa Akif, under Cambodian flag, which had ran adrift and eventually sank north of Sporades islands. The search to locate the other two sailors, who might not even have made it off the ship, is continuing. The castaways were transferred to Volos, where one of them was admitted to hospital as he had broken his ribs while trying to get on the lifeboat.

Referring to the rescue operation, the captain of the frigate, Commander Giorgos Leventis, stressed that it had taken place under very adverse conditions and with wave reaching 10m. The crew threw lifejackets connected to ropes, as well as special belts, and they literally dragged onboard the last few sailors in the lifeboat, who were powerless because of the cold and could not get on the rescue ship. The lifeboat had flooded and it sank after the rescue operation, just like the cargo ship earlier.

Rescued from the Dead

The captain of the ship that sank thanked the men of the military ship and stressed that had it not been for them, all 16 members of the crew would have drowned.

It should be noted that after transferring the castaways to Volos, the frigate Aegean returned to the place of the shipwreck and is continuing the search for the two missing crewmembers.

It is worth mentioning that on 13 March 2004, the frigate Aegean had again participated in a rescue operation involving a fishing boat carrying illegal aliens and which started sinking 45 nautical miles west of Crete. The weather conditions were quite adverse at the time as well (winds 7-8 on the Beaufort scale) and the frigate collected 54 illegal immigrants, all Palestinians, who were aboard the fishing boat bound for Sweden.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Shipwreck off Psathoura

[08] Polar Cold in Europe

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA-Reuters-Associated Press

The wave of adverse weather conditions is still raging the largest part of Europe. Three people died of the bitter cold in Serbia and Albania, while the death toll in Ukraine amounted to 53 in the last 24-hour. Polar temperatures are also affecting Turkey, Germany, Poland and Georgia. The non-stop snowfalls have created problems in Romania, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Slovenia.

The wave of bitter cold coupled with sub-zero temperatures and severe snowfalls raging across Turkey has paralysed the sea, land and air transport system.

Within two days, more than 1,500 car accidents were recorded on Turkeys icy road network claiming the lives of at least 25 people.

Major road arteries are open, since some 3,000 municipal workers have been working all around the clock to keep them open.

The Meteorological Service announced that the snowfalls would stop as of tomorrow both in Ankara and Istanbul, yet temperatures will remain at 15 degrees Celsius during the weekend.

In Serbia, three homeless people died of the cold, while temperature fell to 36 degrees Celsius gravely disrupting the operation of the teleheating system. Furthermore, the decrease in natural gas supply by 20% from Russia is making things even harsher.

Three people also died in Albania, which has been seriously affected by the inclement weather conditions over the last days.

In Poland, as many as ten people died of the bitter cold yesterday. So far, 63 deaths have been confirmed over the last week, while a total of 185 people have died since the beginning of winter.

Eastern Georgia and the largest part of its capital city have been left without power, due to the heavy snowfall that caused serious damage to a high voltage pylon.

In Germany, where temperature stands at 20 degrees Celsius, a temporary weather improvement is expected, however, meteorologists forecast weather to worsen at the weekend anew.

Similar conditions have been reported in the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia and Croatia.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Historic Leader's Funeral Farewell to Rugova

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Thousands of Kosovos ethnic Albanians, international dignitaries and leaders of the Balkan countries, apart from the Serbian leader whose presence was viewed as undesirable, attended on Thursday Ibrahim Rugovas burial service. The ceremony was held in Pristina. Rugovas coffin was mounted on a military carriage, transported with an honour guard escort through the packed streets of Pristina and was buried at the "Tomb of the Martyrs." Upon the request of Rugovas family, the burial service had a secular and national character.

International dignitaries unofficially attended the funeral, since Kosovo is not an independent state, while negotiations on its future are still in progress.

The only country represented both by its President and Prime Minister was Albania, while the Presidents of the former Yugoslav Republics, namely Croatia, Slovenia and Skopje, also bade him farewell in person.

The Serbian President was absent, since his present was viewed as undesirable.

The European Union was represented by Javier Solana, while UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and delegations from the USA, France and Britain, were also attended the ceremony.

Shortly before the funeral, Mr Javier Solana held talks with the leaders of Kosovos ethnic Albanians and requested they lay aside their differences and draw their attention to the talks.

Rugova, who died on Saturday of lung cancer at the age 61, had not named his heir and his death held up the negotiations with Serbia on Kosovos future.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Kosovo masses grieve for Rugova

[10] The Employment Minister Opposes FGI's Proposal "No to Rise in Dismissal Limit"

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET-ANA

Following his several meetings with the delegations of the Federation of Greek Industries (FGI) and the Greek Confederation of Labour (GSEE) to define the agenda to top the National Employment Committees meeting scheduled for Monday, Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos expressed his outright objection to the rise in the limit of mass dismissals above 2% as FGI requested. The FGI submitted its proposal to Mr Panagiotopoulos posing anew the freezing of wages per section and region. On its part, the GSEE proposed job creation and voiced its downright opposition to the FGIs proposal.

Among other things, the Federation of Greek Industries (FGI) requested limits on mass dismissals be lifted during its meeting with the Employment Minister in view of the crucial assembly of the National Employment Committee scheduled for Monday.

The Federation views that these measures are to boost the enterprises competitiveness.

Mr Panagiotopoulos, however, argued that the issue of raising the dismissal limit is out of the question, describing the claim as perilous, for it could clear the way for some businessmen to put employees under a hostage situation.

"Such predicaments and such hostage situation I will not allow," declared Mr Panagiotopoulos and pointed out that the National Employment Committee will not replace the negotiations on the National Collective Working Contract.

He then went on to propose a string of measures to combat unemployment. Connecting subsidies granted to enterprises with job creation and increasing the unemployment benefit are some of the measures suggested.

The trade unions, on the other hand, suggested enterprises cover 50% of the social security contributions of the employees made redundant and who have turned 55 for a five-year period in regions where unemployment rates run high.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] He Briefed the PM on Economic Issues Economy Minister at Maximos Mansion

By Athina Saloustrou

Immediately after meeting with the Greek PM in Maximos Mansion, the Minister of Economy repeated the Governments pledge to proceed directly with the planned structural reforms within 2006. Mr Alogoskoufis briefed the PM on the results of the recent Eurogroup and ECOFIN meetings, the implementation of the law on DEKOs (public utilities and entities) and the promotion of Public-Private sector Partnerships. The Economy Minister rejected SEVs (Federation of Greek Industries) request for abolishing collective work contracts in areas hit hard by unemployment. Economy Ministry sources repeated the Governments disagreement with the abolishment or change in redundancy limits to 2%, as requested by SEV. He noted that all the decisions that have been made will go ahead at a rapid pace, while the law on DEKOs will be wholly implemented, aiming at their purgation and the better utilisation of the taxpayers money. With regard to the Public-Private sector Partnerships, the Minister mentioned that the interest demonstrated by some bodies, which focus on works of the Education Ministry for new schools and student dorms, was reviewed during the Interministerial Committees meeting yesterday. He also noted that interest was shown in the works undertaken by the Ministries of Culture, Justice and others. Finally, Mr Alogoskoufis said that the Special Secretariat was ordered to proceed with contacting the interested parties and submit the relevant applications, so that the programmes can go ahead.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] EURO 2008 on ERT

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Sticking with its commitment to the great football events, and after the exclusive broadcasting rights for EURO 2004 and the Champions League, ERT secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for UEFA EURO 2008 to be held in Austria and Switzerlands football pitches. "ERT SA is pleased enough to announce that it has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for EURO 2008," read ERTs announcement. The news was posted on the official website of UEFA, which is particularly emphasising the leading role of the State Television in the Greek television market and the organisation of major sports events.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Tests for Deadly N1 Strain H5 Cases on Turkish-Occupied Cyprus

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Two poultry on the Turkish-occupied Cyprus were tested positive to the H5 virus of avian flu. However, Prime Minister of the statelet Ferdi Soyer said that detailed lab tests are to determine whether the two birds have been infected with the deadly N1 strain. The authorities are awaiting the results of the tests carried out on samples that were sent to Britain and Turkey. The cases, the first reported on the island, were detected in two small poultry units in Famagusta, and the Turkish-Cypriot authorities culled as many as 1,500 poultry. At the same time, EU Commissioner for Health and Protections Markos Kyprianou, who is currently in Ankara to settle the issues relating to avian flu with the Turkish authorities, pointed out that the situation in the neighbouring country "is under control." Yet, he noted, "the virus remains in the country, thus prompting vigilance."

Avian Flu Under Control in Turkey

Mr Kyprianou congratulated the Turkish authorities on their cooperation with the European bodies, as well as the "transparency" policy, while he voiced his most profound sorrow over the death of four people affected with avian flu.

The Turkish Health Minister, on his part, stated that none of those being affected with avian flu and treated is in a critical condition.

Four experts escorting Mr Kyprianou in his visit to Turkey will hold a ten-day mission on the flu-stricken areas to study the case, reported a European source in Ankara.

In Indonesia, a poultry dealer died today in Jakarta. As per the results of the tests he underwent in Jakarta, he had been infected with the H5N1 virus.

Should the labs of the World Health Organisation also confirmed the death, the 22-year-old Indonesian will be the 15th avian flu victim in the country.

Translated by Areti Christou

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